What is MyPI?

Beginning in 2017, Mississippi State University Extension has offered a three-time national award winning youth preparedness/youth leadership educational outreach program known as MyPI (My Preparedness Initiative) Mississippi. MyPI Mississippi is a component of MyPI National, a partnership of 27 states and 2 territories delivering an innovative and engaging curriculum for teenagers across the nation.

The National initiative, known as MyPI National, is replicating the model created and delivered in Mississippi. In 2014, the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative was named FEMA’s national award winner for Outstanding Youth Preparedness program. It also received an Honorable Mention recognition for “Preparing the Whole Community.” In 2015, MyPI Mississippi was named one of the first entities to be named an official Affirmer of the new National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education. As such, MyPI is an engaged and recognized component of a nationally supported, progressive approach to preparing youth for emergencies and disasters. The MyPI National is also recognized as an Affirmer of the national strategy.

For students, MyPI offers a flexible 5 to 10 week, three component program. In Component A, teenagers will complete the United States Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency-certified Teen CERT training and corresponding modules focusing on Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety and Utility Control, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism and CERT. In Component B, the Add-On Catalog features certification in CPR and AED usage, along with a technology track comprised of awareness programs focusing on HAM Radio, NOAA Weather Radio, Smoke Alarm Maintenance, and Smart Phone App and Social Media in Emergency Preparedness. The Add-On Catalog also includes a Disaster simulation, and a Career Track that focuses on public safety, fire service, and emergency management careers. The final element of the program, Component C, includes a comprehensive family and community service project entitled "Prep + 6" in which each participant helps develop emergency supply kits and emergency communication plans for their family AND 6 additional families or households. This component allows for significant enhancement in individual, family, and community preparedness and resilience. To graduate from the program, students must complete all components.

MyPI Mississippi is currently being taught in formal school settings through Allied Health classes, Law and Public Safety classes, and as part of Vo-Tech programs. It is also taught outside of school settings for organized youth programs, community agencies, etc.

For additional information regarding MyPI Mississippi including the areas of the state that the program will be delivered in the first year offerings, please explore the different features of this website or contact Dr. Ryan Akers at cakers@humansci.msstate.edu or (662) 325-5914.

Student Perspectives of MyPI

News & Events

Emergency supply kits include water, food and medical supplies. Preparing kits ahead of time is beneficial in case of a hurricane or other disaster. (Photo by iStock)
By Brittany Jacks
MSU Ag Communications
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Boxes of supplies can provide important lifelines when storms and other disasters threaten to uproot a household.
It has been 10 years since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina occurred, but the disaster still affects the lives of many individuals today. Christian Stephenson, an agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Hancock... Continue Reading »

Ryan Akers
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- A Mississippi State University youth initiative is joining an elite group of programs that focuses on emergency and disaster preparedness in communities across the nation.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross and U.S. Department of Education created the national strategy for youth preparedness education. They have invited a Mississippi program to partner with dozens of programs that follow key emergency preparedness strategies.
“The Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, or MyPI, aligns well with a national strategy... Continue Reading »

Ryan Akers, an assistant Extension professor in the Mississippi State University School of Human Sciences, left, receives Champions of Change recognition from Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Craig Fugate at recent ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Mississippi Youth Preparedness Initiative, which is coordinated by Akers, won the national FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award for Most Outstanding Youth Preparedness program. (Submitted photo)
By Linda Breazeale
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University... Continue Reading »

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MyPI Testimonials

Teens involved with the MyPI program have the opportunity to make positive impacts in the lives of their families, friends, and neighbors. It is a chance to develop their skills and use their talents to improve the community.

— Aaron S.

I feel like I have learned more in this program than in any other when discussing emergency preparedness. The instructors have all been so helpful and really want us to make an impact in our preparedness efforts and those of our families.

— De’Andre S.

Without all the training I've obtained from Teen CERT, I wouldn't be able to help others in the way that I can now.

— Rebecca S.

Participating in MyPI will be a great experience for everyone. The teamwork, communication, and leadership opportunities that exist will benefit you in the long run. It’s actually a fun program and you learn a great bit of material that will protect your family and community.

— Sara C.

The service project and the focus on technology as well as the career track were great additions to already great Teen CERT curriculum. It’s such a great program and you leave with so many tangible skills and physical resources. I’m so thankful to have participated and have recommended others in my community.

— Keisha T.

Just take a look at all of the extreme weather events that have ripped through our towns and negatively impacted lives for many years to come. MyPI at least allows a stronger knowledge based and a more organized approach to preparing for, well, the inevitable, really.

— Jason S.

Serving as a MyPI Instructor gives me the opportunity to work with an energetic group of students who are an often overlooked resource when it comes to disaster preparedness/response

— Aaron S.

Teens can be very dependable and they want to be engaged in our community. MyPI not only gives them an additional wealth of information that they can use indefinitely, but it is also the perfect tool to educate numerous families across the state.

— Jan W.

Teen CERT is unique. I've never heard of or seen a program like it that specializes in helping teens learn how to respond to a disaster.

— Tyler C.

Joining Teen CERT has given me the confidence to know that I can now respond to an emergency quickly and appropriately.

— Austin A.

The PREP + 6 Service project really stands out to me as a great chance to give back to my community by assisting my family and my neighbors in building emergency supply kits and family communication plans. To know that I did my part to enhance the preparedness and safety of my family and neighbors really means a lot to me.

— Robert K.

Teens in my community should apply in order for them to be properly trained on how to prepare and to safety respond in an emergency to help their family, friends, and neighbors. I believe that MyPI will help teens build self-esteem and leadership qualities, a love for their communities, and possible career choices for their futures.

— Brenda C.

Some adults don’t seem to have a lot of confidence that teens like ourselves can accomplish much and assist in emergency and disaster events. This isn’t too advanced for us. It’s not rocket science. Let us help. MyPI gives us guidance in preparedness and basic response skills while we wait for first responders to arrive. Thankfully, there are those out there that listen to us and want to get us involved. MyPI is a gift. Get involved in it if you have the opportunity.”

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